Cruise port Bissagos Islands
Info for port Bissagos Islands on 9 Apr 2028
Port information & tips for Bissagos Islands
The Bissagos Archipelago off the coast of Guinea-Bissau is a pristine natural paradise and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thanks to its unique biodiversity. The island world impresses with its secluded location and combines wild mangrove forests with palm-fringed sandy beaches and a fascinating, matriarchal culture. Highlights include Orango National Park with its rare saltwater hippos, João Vieira e Poilão Marine National Park, and the historic colonial ruins on Bolama. As expedition ships usually lie at anchor, landing is by tender boat at Porto de Bubaque. The lively village center is just a few minutes' walk from the pier and offers direct access to local markets and authentic encounters in the midst of this original wilderness.
The Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau is a pristine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that attracts visitors with its unique nature and culture. Cruises here are mostly expedition voyages that require arrival via the capital, Bissau, as there are no traditional cruise terminals.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily via Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau's only international airport. There are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland; instead, the most common connections are via Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal or EuroAtlantic Airways, as well as via Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. The flight time from Frankfurt, Vienna, or Zurich to Bissau is around 9 to 10 hours, including a stopover.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Bissau airport, which is located only about nine kilometers northwest of the city center, you can easily reach the port by taxi. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance. For onward travel to the Bijagós Archipelago, boats and small ferries are the only means of transport. Providers such as Consulmar Bissau offer ferry and speedboat services from Bissau to the main islands like Bubaque or Rubane. Departure times are heavily dependent on tides and weather, requiring flexible travel planning.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe, the need for connecting flights, and the often irregular boat transfers to the islands, an overnight stay in Bissau before embarkation is highly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your adventure and provides a buffer for potential flight delays or adjustments to boat schedules. Various accommodations are available in Bissau to make the waiting time pleasant.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: when going ashore, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau is a pristine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that attracts visitors with its unique nature and culture. Cruises here are mostly expedition voyages that require arrival via the capital, Bissau, as there are no traditional cruise terminals.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily via Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau's only international airport. There are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland; instead, the most common connections are via Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal or EuroAtlantic Airways, as well as via Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. The flight time from Frankfurt, Vienna, or Zurich to Bissau is around 9 to 10 hours, including a stopover.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Bissau airport, which is located only about nine kilometers northwest of the city center, you can easily reach the port by taxi. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance. For onward travel to the Bijagós Archipelago, boats and small ferries are the only means of transport. Providers such as Consulmar Bissau offer ferry and speedboat services from Bissau to the main islands like Bubaque or Rubane. Departure times are heavily dependent on tides and weather, requiring flexible travel planning.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from Europe, the need for connecting flights, and the often irregular boat transfers to the islands, an overnight stay in Bissau before embarkation is highly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your adventure and provides a buffer for potential flight delays or adjustments to boat schedules. Various accommodations are available in Bissau to make the waiting time pleasant.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: when going ashore, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arrival in the Bissagos Archipelago usually takes place via tender boat directly at the pier of the main island of Bubaque, from where you can easily explore the untouched nature and authentic island life.
On foot
The charming village center of Bubaque as well as the nearby shore areas can be reached directly from the pier in just a few minutes' walk. The flat paths allow for a relaxed stroll and lead you directly to the island's local markets and small cafes.
Pirogues and water taxis
Traditional wooden boats, known as pirogues, as well as motorized water taxis are available at the port and offer a direct connection to neighboring dream islands such as Rubane. These trips are very pleasant thanks to the calm waters and also allow for a wonderful view of the dense mangrove forests.
Moto-taxis and local taxis
Directly at the port exit, moto-taxis and occasional off-road vehicles are available to take you to the more remote beaches of the island. These means of transport are ideal for flexible exploration and also get you quickly to the best viewpoints in the area.
To experience the magic of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at its best, we recommend focusing on the main island of Bubaque and the directly adjacent natural paradises for a perfect blend of culture and relaxation.
Bubaque
The lively main island impresses with its charming colonial architecture and authentic market bustle, offering guests a wonderful insight into the daily life of the islanders directly at the point of arrival.
Rubane Island
Thanks to a short boat ride, this pristine paradise is perfect for a relaxing beach day on fine sandy shores, while also inviting you to enjoy the exclusive atmosphere of one of the high-quality eco-lodges.
Orango National Park
This impressive protected area allows for rare encounters with unique saltwater hippos and, thanks to its cultural significance, is also ideal for travelers wishing to discover the fascinating matriarchal traditions of the Bijagó people in an unspoiled environment.
Insel Rubane & Ponta Anchaca
The idyllic Insel Rubane is reachable from the central anchorage off Bubaque in a short, approximately ten-minute boat ride and impresses with its untouched tropical vegetation as well as the excellent sandy beach of the Ponta Anchaca resort. Thanks to the resort's first-class facilities, you can enjoy comfortable lounging options and excellent gastronomy featuring freshly caught fish in an exclusive atmosphere. This location is perfect for a luxurious day of relaxation by the turquoise sea and also offers dreamlike photo opportunities of the natural coastline. Ideally, take advantage of the early morning hours for the crossing to enjoy the island's paradisiacal tranquility to the fullest, and plan your return to the ship for the early afternoon in a relaxed manner.
The way back to the central pier in Bubaque or to the tender docking points on the islands is straightforward and easy to plan thanks to the manageable distances.
Mototaxis and Off-Road Vehicles
In the main town of Bubaque, you will find typical mototaxis as well as off-road vehicles directly at the central market and near the Lodge Kasa Afrikana. The drivers will take you reliably to the harbor basin via short routes and ensure a punctual return before your ship departs.
Boats and Pirogues
If you have spent the day on a neighboring island like Rubane, local motorboats or pirogues will bring you comfortably back to the main pier of Bubaque. These transfers are often coordinated directly through local hotels and allow for a relaxed journey over the water directly to the ship or tender point.
On Foot
Within the settlement of Bubaque, the way to the pier is easy to find thanks to the simple town layout and can be covered in a few minutes. The main road leads you directly to the harbor, and the friendly residents are also happy to help with orientation and point you in the direct direction of the water.
In port on 09 Apr 2028
